Agricultural Trailer Brake Force Regulator with Volume Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural trailer vehicles without suspension or weighing devices require manual adjustment of brake force regulators, leading to inconsistent braking effects due to varying material loads, as drivers often forget to correctly set the brake force according to the actual material volume in the storage container.
Innovation Solution
An automatic brake force controller is connected to sensors detecting the actual material volume or level in the storage container, using an electronic control device to adjust the braking force regulator, with a float-based level sensor and motorized control drive for precise adjustments, and damping mechanisms for smooth braking on uneven routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of brake force regulator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of braking effect deteriorates due to driver forgetfulness and inconsistent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The brake force regulator automatically adjusts itself based on sensor feedback about material volume, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and adjusting brake force according to actual load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the actual material volume in the storage container and feeds this information back to the brake force regulator, which then automatically adjusts the brake force setting to match the current load, ensuring consistent and reliable braking effect.
2Reliability
If automatic brake force control with sensor is implemented, then reliability of braking effect is improved, but device complexity increases due to electronic control components
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an electronic control system that uses sensors and electronic actuators to automatically adjust the brake force regulator, improving precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control device serves multiple functions: it reads sensor data about material volume, processes this information, determines the appropriate brake force setting, and actuates the regulator accordingly, consolidating control functions into a single multi-functional unit.
3Measurement precision
If liquid transport in storage container is monitored, then brake force adjustment accuracy is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to liquid movement and uneven routes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system anticipates potential measurement errors from liquid movement by implementing damping of volume signals before they affect brake force adjustment, preventing erratic adjustments and ensuring smooth braking effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors material level and provides feedback to the control system, which processes this information and adjusts brake force accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accurate control despite liquid movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the brake force regulator is consistently set to match the actual material volume, providing a uniform and smooth braking effect even on trailers transporting liquids, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of incorrect manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible to use the level signal, which is generated, for example, by a float, in order to adjust the braking force regulator as a function of the liquid volume
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The vehicle has a brake force system (9) with a brake force regulator (12). A storage container (7) accommodates a material that is to be yielded. Sensors (15, 17) detect actual material volume in the storage container. The brake force regulator is adjustable in dependence of the material quantity. The brake force regulator is connected with the sensors for the detection of the actual material volume and/or material fill level (13) in the storage container. The brake force regulator is adjustable in dependence of the actual material volume and/or material fill level.